🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.